John Grigg's Column

Would big-name players who are buried in the minors take advantage of an opt-out clause to get back to the NHL on a smaller contract? They say money makes the world go ‘round. But it can also make it come crashing down.
Teams that can afford it are sending overpriced, underperforming players to the American League to clear salary cap space.

It wasn't that long ago the Colorado Avalanche looked like a threat, but even though they sit at the bottom of the standings, they are still a dangerous-looking team. Remember when the Colorado Avalanche were good? It wasn’t that long ago. Seriously. Remember what you did for New Year’s? Then you can remember the Avs being good.

At first it didn't seem like the Capitals' new philosophy was working, but the team has clearly made the turn at the right time. You know when you have one of those “whew’” moments? Like, “thank God I didn’t say that” or, in my case, “thank God I didn’t write that.

With blog No. 100, this author looks back at some of the predictions that didn't quite hit the mark. Ah, the perils of public prognostication. Putting yourself out there for all the world to read comes with its pitfalls and I’ve had my share the past three seasons.

Outlaw leagues like the GMHL say they provide a venue for young imports and others to get noticed, but opponents say the negatives can't be ignored. The Greater Metro Jr. A League is Canada’s largest outlaw league with 13 teams, 12 in Ontario and one in Jamestown, N.Y. NHL scouts have shown up at games and inquired about players, but the league is generally considered sub-par; its imports castoffs or kids from non-traditional hockey countries looking for better competition.

Hockey Canada won't work with leagues that don't follow their rules and one specific 'outlaw' circuit is arguing the treatment of import players is unfair. Since 2008, Hockey Canada, which oversees everything from house leagues to Olympic teams, has refused to do business with any league that operates outside its auspices, labelling them ‘outlaws.

For the first time in a while a high number of defensemen are leading their team in scoring. But what does that mean to the team's playoff hopes? There’s some under-the-radar history that could be made this NHL season. A feat managed just a handful of times in the league’s modern history and, with very few exceptions, only by some of the greatest players the game has known.

After a horrific start for both team and player, all it took was a little experience behind the bench to turn the season around. Remember when the New Jersey Devils were easily the worst team in the league? I do.
Well, the times they are a…er, have changed.

After signing a one-year deal last year as an RFA, Semin surprisingly signed another one-year pact as a UFA. So what does it mean? On Thursday, unrestricted-free-agent-to-be Alexander Semin re-signed with the Washington Capitals for one year at $6.7 million, a $700,000 raise over what he’s making this season.

After deciding to ditch the patient route by building through the draft, GM Brian Burke's on-the-fly plan has stalled. It’s a confounding conundrum Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke finds himself in.
The Leafs are bad and there’s little on the horizon to suggest that will soon change.

The Capitals aren't way ahead this time around as the Lightning and Thrashers take strides towards the post-season. But it's a different story for the Hurricanes and Panthers. ATLANTA THRASHERS
THN pre-season prediction: 11th in East.
Scoring leaders: Dustin Byfuglien, 41; Tobias Enstrom, 38; Andrew Ladd, 36.
Key stat: Atlanta is led in scoring by two defensemen and has the second-highest scoring defense corps (112 points) in the NHL behind Detroit (120).

All parties come out smelling like roses in the Stars-Devils deal, especially a seasoned vet who escapes a terrible situation for friendlier confines. First it was the coach, now it’s the captain. And the New Jersey Devils’ season gets curiouser and curiouser.
Easily the worst team in the NHL this season and approaching all-time franchise futility - and that’s something for a club Wayne Gretzky once called a Mickey Mouse organization - New Jersey dealing Jamie Langenbrunner to Dallas Friday was a win-win and win, a thumbs-up for both teams and the player.